Michael Louis Bucko OBITUARY
Michael Louis Bucko OBITUARY
Michael Louis Bucko, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana surrounded by loving hands. He was born on August 29, 1945 to Louis and Mary (Fleming) Bucko in Gary, Indiana.
Mike graduated from Calumet High School in 1964. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the Great Lakes Naval Academy and served in the United States Navy in the Philippines and Taipei, Taiwan. Mike met his wife, Carolyn (Duke) Bucko, while at Calumet High School and they were married on June 5, 1970 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana. After serving his country, Mike worked as a lineman and then began a long career as the PR/Government Affairs and business office manager for Nitco in Hebron, Indiana.
Together Mike and Carolyn raised two children, Steven and Elizabeth (Betsy) in Hebron, Indiana and built a loving home there. Mike was an active member of the community supporting various organizations like the American Heart Association, Knights of Columbus, Friendly Sons of Erin along with being a member of local government. He was Member, Porter County Council At-Large, Porter County Council 4th District Representative, and then served as Porter County Treasurer for many years. Mike also volunteered as a Porter Twp. Youth League Umpire/Coach, LOFS Pack 420 Cubmaster, and LOFS Boy Scouts of America Troop 918 Scoutmaster. In 2016, Mike and Carolyn moved to Evansville, Indiana to reside and enjoy their retirement together.
Mike was larger than life with a huge heart. He had a sense of humor that could make a whole room belly laugh. Mike never met a stranger and had a warm, inviting smile. He was a faith filled man who relied heavily on God to guide his own life and his family. Mike was a devoted husband, father and “Pop” always cheering his family on in life and on the sidelines. Mike and Carolyn loved to travel and explore the world together which was evident by the large walking stick he used that was covered in medallions featuring all of the places he and Carolyn traveled. Mike loved cooking and trying new recipes, he enjoyed a good Old Fashioned, he was the designated “Tom and Jerry” drink maker during holiday family gatherings and he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Mike leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Remaining to ensure his legacy lives on are his children Steve Bucko (Tamora) and Betsy Melton (Jeremy); and his three wonderful grandchildren, Megan Bucko, Max Melton and Molly Melton along with nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, colleagues and community members.
Preceding Mike in death were his parents, Louis and Mary (Fleming) Bucko, his sister, Suzanne Bucko and his wife, Carolyn (Duke) Bucko.
Please join us on Sunday, July 20th, 2025 to celebrate Mike’s life and the incredible impact he had on all of us. Visitation and services will be held at Alexander West Funeral Home, 2100 W Illinois St., Evansville, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 11:00 am-1:00 pm CST with a funeral service to follow. Mike will be laid to rest on Monday, July 21st, 2025 in the Marion National Cemetery at 10:00 am EST.
Memorial donations to the American Heart Association can be made in honor of Mike by visiting https://pages.heart.org/honor-memorial-lp
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
